Bland Chord Progressions? Try The NEAPOLITAN Chord

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  • Опубліковано 7 сер 2024
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    If you play a major triad and a minor triad to most people, and you ask them which of the two is more 'tense' and less 'happy', then the overwhelming majority will tell you that minor triads are more tense.
    So it stands to reason that if you want to create more tension in your chord progressions, you should use more minor triads and less major triads.
    This is a clear, reasonable, even obvious deduction... and it's wrong.
    Why?
    Because it does not take into account that the quality (major or minor) of the chords is not the only factor that determines tension.
    Another important factor for instance is how the chords in the progression relate to the tonic chord in the key.
    In this video we are going to see how changing two triads from minor to major (counterintuitively) can substantially increase the tension in a chord progression - and how you can do it too in your music
    In the process we'll also learn about the Neapolitan chord - this is a 'secret weapon' for songwriter, and it is worth watching the video if only to learn about it ;)
    If you like this video, share, like, comment & don't forget to subscribe for more content!
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    Website: musictheoryforguitar.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 456

  • @juanmoralesvideo
    @juanmoralesvideo 4 роки тому +169

    «If you like this video». 'If'? Are you kidding? Man, your explanations are great!

  • @ricardofranciszayas
    @ricardofranciszayas Рік тому +7

    Maestro, You are a brilliant teacher. I’m a 71 year old semi-retired keyboard player. The need for understanding the Neapolitan chord was never crucial for a blue collar musician like me. So out of curiosity I thought I would research it. I went to different UA-cam videos explaining the Neapolitan chord and came away feeling more stupid at the end of the videos.
    But your video, good Sir, explained so concisely and in terms understandable to a mere mortal like myself.
    Bravissimo, Maestro.
    Your channel is wonderful.

  • @johnprice3341
    @johnprice3341 4 роки тому +125

    Wow, I was playing Chopin’s Nocturne op 9 no 1 and he does this A LOT

  • @brazwen
    @brazwen 4 роки тому +184

    I tried the Napoleon chord, ended up nearly conquering all of Europe.
    I think I did this wrong.

    • @MusicTheoryForGuitar
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  4 роки тому +48

      I should have titled the channel "military strategy for guitar"...

    • @brazwen
      @brazwen 4 роки тому +5

      @@MusicTheoryForGuitar LOL! I've been watching some documentaries and Epic History TV youtube channel (highly recommend) on Napoleon Bonaparte. I came here and saw how similar Neapolitan spelling is to Napoleon and that's all I could think of.
      Napoleon was an absolute genius on the battlefield and to think his downfall was his own doing not that other European nation got smarter and defeated him.
      Other than that, great content on your channel. I'm learning alot.

    • @JohnnyOlsson
      @JohnnyOlsson 3 роки тому +9

      History, music theory and dad joke - this comment has it all. Well done sir.

    • @svenolofandersson2572
      @svenolofandersson2572 3 роки тому +1

      Dude, wait until you discover the Hitler chord... :-)

    • @joshuafernandes4935
      @joshuafernandes4935 2 роки тому

      Have you tried playing the chord at Trafalgar square ?

  • @shaolinmatadordeporco4246
    @shaolinmatadordeporco4246 9 місяців тому +2

    The best part of your videos is that not only you explain how stuff works, but also explains the reason for it to work the way it does, just like in books, but you do it in a much easier way to understand

  • @VoidloniXaarii
    @VoidloniXaarii 4 роки тому +32

    The explanation at the end with half above and half below is great

    • @sanzen1234
      @sanzen1234 4 роки тому +1

      Made me hear moonlight sonata section.

  • @dsracoon
    @dsracoon 4 роки тому +3

    I love how your explanations are simple and they make sense. Most music theory teachers/ytbers don't go into the detail you go or just handwave it. Or when they do try to go into detail they just go off on crazy tangents. Auguri!

  • @kibavlood5826
    @kibavlood5826 4 роки тому +5

    Dude i really love the Chord videos man, you could even make a series out of it. I love Chords and love discovering new, your videos is perfect so is your channel. Stay safe.

  • @christopherlees1134
    @christopherlees1134 17 днів тому +1

    By far the best explanation of the Neapolitan chord I've ever seen. Great presentation!

  • @steveanderson7727
    @steveanderson7727 4 роки тому +39

    This is quite simply the best and most easily understood bit of music theory I have ever been shown. Normally I struggle to follow music theory, but this poured into my brain like a cool beer.
    Most grateful, I am off right now to experiment with the accordo Napolitano :)

  • @alixchatelain2913
    @alixchatelain2913 4 роки тому +1

    Your exposés are always top notch: incredible depth of content coupled with very practical simplicity, together they make for instant applicability! Thanks again!

  • @luckylicks3497
    @luckylicks3497 4 роки тому +2

    I'm just loving these videos, and I hope this will reach a million before the end of this year. Stuff like this should be rewarded bigtime.

  • @tongateachesmusic
    @tongateachesmusic 4 роки тому +4

    Love everything about this video/explanation, very clear and concise with easy to follow examples! Well done!

  • @robbesisca
    @robbesisca 4 роки тому +4

    The quality of this video is amazing. Brilliantly done!

  • @lindsayfraser
    @lindsayfraser 4 роки тому +2

    This Video has finally fully explained a type of progression I have used for years in various songs but still struggled t understand what I was harmonically doing with my limited theory knowledge. Thank you, I have been enlightened as to why it works.

  • @danielrennie8444
    @danielrennie8444 4 роки тому +20

    Doing this is Am sounds very much like the Hans Zimmer score from the "Dark Phoenix" movie. I mistook it as being written in A Phrygian Dominant, but now I realize that it's just in A minor using an N6 chord. Highly recommend you listen to the score, specifically the piece called "Gap" within the score. Thanks for a fantastic video and content. Love this channel

    • @marcuscarman9936
      @marcuscarman9936 2 роки тому

      I believe emphasize the " starting " of a mode , is to acclimate you ears to the color of the mode , a reference point like you were doing with the short chord melody in 'a ' minor

  • @lucagambirasio
    @lucagambirasio 4 роки тому +11

    I read tons of harmony books, but you've done the easiest explanations here. Cheers!

  • @AntoBeaw
    @AntoBeaw 3 роки тому +1

    I just discovered your channel and I must say that is truly amazing, your explanations are so clear and your examples are great, keep going like that man, you're awesome

  • @toofattoskate1
    @toofattoskate1 Рік тому +3

    excellent tutorial. I understand it now. So many videos are over complicated this chord. this is simple. thank you.

  • @JakeSpeed1000
    @JakeSpeed1000 4 роки тому +1

    Your videos are so helpful, educational and very entertaining. Thank you!

  • @aakash9058
    @aakash9058 4 роки тому +2

    Your channel is a invaluable music theory resource. Thanks for your hard work.

  • @billyvitale8994
    @billyvitale8994 Рік тому

    Great.. detailed and comprehensive lesson.....Grazie Tomaso❤

  • @ryedylantm
    @ryedylantm 3 роки тому +3

    Very clear and concise explanation. I learned a lot.

  • @Sebastianandthedeepbluemusic
    @Sebastianandthedeepbluemusic 4 роки тому +10

    Dig “tension profile” phrase. Its hard to talk about extended harmonic music theory without sounding like its about a new better set of harmonies. When really its just a new color to paint with in the so ic space. If thats what you want to do. Explaining it as a tension profile seems like a good way to avoid the more complicated is better snob effect. Anyways thanks for the video. I was just thinking of looking up the neopolatin chord because i couldn’t remember exactly what it was but I remembered liking its effect when i first learned about, and now I remember. Cheers.

  • @FullMetalDMZ
    @FullMetalDMZ 4 роки тому +4

    Great video, as always! The fact that you tackle the “weak” notes is a very eye opening concept, at least for me. It explains why some chord movements feel bland and not very interesting!

  • @mikitomita8524
    @mikitomita8524 2 роки тому +1

    You explained the way constructed Neapolitan chord so well.
    Thank you

  • @kenestioko8019
    @kenestioko8019 4 роки тому +1

    Keep it up sir. I am learning a lot. Such a fun way to learn.

  • @DadRockAndGuitars
    @DadRockAndGuitars 4 роки тому +1

    Great explanation! It's been awhile since I've seen someone talk about the Neapolitan chord. Subscribed!

  • @cavaturnagesh
    @cavaturnagesh 4 роки тому +1

    nice to see you in action keep safe during these difficult and dangerous times

  • @meschadarc141
    @meschadarc141 3 роки тому +1

    this is all stuff i know and use and still i watched and enjoyed the entire presentation. you are teaching with relish! i'll be back to watch more.

  • @crxnvy
    @crxnvy 3 роки тому +1

    great video. im so grateful that i found this. thanks!

  • @rockkevinrock
    @rockkevinrock 3 роки тому +1

    I only took two semesters of music theory in college, and the concept of the Neapolitan 6th cadences really confused me and I could not figure out how it works, you finally explained it in a way that makes sense to me. You are a good teacher Tommaso!!!

  • @image30p
    @image30p 3 роки тому

    Really nice lesson. Thank you! I love your explanation of the "weak" notes. It makes sense. I haven't been able to use the IV chord as much as I would like, but I didn't understand why until now. So I hope I can start sounding better with the Neapolitan chord.

  • @SamuelPeckman
    @SamuelPeckman 4 роки тому +5

    I play the piano not the guitar. I found this to be a very clear explanation of the near Politan chord. Thank you.

  • @yuriy.goldman
    @yuriy.goldman Рік тому +1

    Thank you for explaining this so simply, Tommaso! I was able to use this chord in a hard rock/metal style in a song for my band and it was very effective. Hadn't heard anyone else use it in this style (at least not that I can recall), so I'm glad it worked. Thank you!

  • @TalesGrimm
    @TalesGrimm 4 роки тому +4

    I don't even understand music on this level but I couldn't stop watching

  • @docwill184
    @docwill184 4 роки тому +38

    You explain this for knuckle-head guitar-players so well...
    "How do you get a guitar-player to shut up?"
    "Put some sheet music in front of him."

    • @MusicTheoryForGuitar
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  4 роки тому +8

      You must be so smart

    • @docwill184
      @docwill184 4 роки тому

      @@MusicTheoryForGuitar Thank-you but too much proof to the contrary...

    • @idmarc
      @idmarc 4 роки тому +4

      how do you make him leave? write notes on it ... ha!

  • @vze2gsgr
    @vze2gsgr 2 роки тому +1

    Love these videos.

  • @cocacolafeliz
    @cocacolafeliz 4 роки тому +1

    this videos help me a lot with the theory from my music course, thank you!

  • @johnhedgerguitarstudio3436
    @johnhedgerguitarstudio3436 4 роки тому +1

    This is a very well explained lesson on the Neapolitan chord! It always seemed so confusing and mysterious in my undergrad music theory classes. Thanks!

  • @rikbardyn5914
    @rikbardyn5914 4 роки тому +1

    Finally I do understand what the neapolita chord is ! Although I am not a guitarist !Thank you for sharing !

  • @N4m43
    @N4m43 4 роки тому +37

    Just noticed there's a chromatic rise (I don't know how it's called in english... "chromatic ascension"? anyway...) going from A to C in the Am progression.
    There's A, Bb, B and C.
    It's pretty cool.

    • @MusicTheoryForGuitar
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  4 роки тому +6

      Well spotted!

    • @N4m43
      @N4m43 4 роки тому +2

      @@MusicTheoryForGuitar I actually though you were about to talk about that while commenting the progression... Then it was about the A, Bb, G#, A. ^^
      But yeah, definitely a great tension trick.

    • @MusicTheoryForGuitar
      @MusicTheoryForGuitar  4 роки тому +4

      Both things are going on at the same time in the progression. The best progressions always have on or more lines (diatonic or chromatic) moving 'through' the chords.

    • @N4m43
      @N4m43 4 роки тому +5

      @@MusicTheoryForGuitar Yep, definitely agree with that. This way you can listen to it several time and hear a different thing each time.

  • @rrdwiki
    @rrdwiki Рік тому +1

    simply perfect. Smashed that like button :)

  • @EclecticEssentric
    @EclecticEssentric 4 роки тому +1

    Always enlightening AF. Mercy.

  • @ruanof7
    @ruanof7 4 роки тому +1

    I am a piano player, you explain theory so simple ! you are a great teacher. Thank you.

  • @johnsujith12
    @johnsujith12 5 місяців тому +1

    Sir you are amazing! Thank you so much!

  • @katieyoung9447
    @katieyoung9447 4 роки тому +3

    I'm not a guitarist but what a fabulous, clear explanation! Thank you for making these videos!

  • @remipereira3060
    @remipereira3060 3 роки тому +1

    Best naepolitan sixth explanation on UA-cam, a big thanks you man

  • @katorzhnik
    @katorzhnik 4 роки тому +1

    Great explanation. I'm learning tons from your videos!

  • @ipecacisgoodforyou8128
    @ipecacisgoodforyou8128 4 роки тому +2

    brilliant explanation, great video!

  • @cesaraugustocavazzolajunio7438
    @cesaraugustocavazzolajunio7438 4 роки тому +1

    That's great. Thank you so much for the lesson!

  • @JohnnyOlsson
    @JohnnyOlsson 3 роки тому +3

    That double chromatic thing, with notes both a half note sharp and a half note flat of the tonic, it gives a very strong pull towards the root. Another interesting thing with the progression is that it also has a half note "climb"; A, Bb, B, C. So the resolution is very strong, both because of the pull toward the root and the climb toward the third.
    I'm writing this not to mansplain it to the teacher but because this is the first video that gave me this Eureka-feeling where things just came together in my head, and I want to say thank you for this.

  • @jaykay1053
    @jaykay1053 2 роки тому +1

    Instantly Subscribed!

  • @lit2021
    @lit2021 4 роки тому +3

    This explanation is better than the one given to me by my classical harmony professor at the music academy..

  • @cressentiamurniastuti
    @cressentiamurniastuti Місяць тому +1

    Well explained. Very good Teacher ❤❤🎉🎉

  • @kumareshnatarajan8019
    @kumareshnatarajan8019 4 роки тому +1

    Superb info. Thanks a lot. Thanks once again.

  • @django9858
    @django9858 4 роки тому +5

    I'm getting out the guitar right now...thank you 🎸👍

  • @davidsonmick
    @davidsonmick 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks, just watched two of your videos, which were both great! Such and interesting and unique ay of teaching. And I love your accent! Plus it looks like you're writing with your finger, which is magic. :) Ciao!

  • @aylbdrmadison1051
    @aylbdrmadison1051 4 роки тому +3

    I've always loved playing Major7 and b2 around the root in melody lines or solos, or even rhythm type riffs, especially mixing them with harmonies in thirds with or without an occasional 7, et cetera, using the double harmonic minor scale. Now I know how to use it in a great sounding chord progression too. Thanks for that. Until next time, enjoy your days too. ^-^

    • @FullMetalDMZ
      @FullMetalDMZ 4 роки тому

      Aylbdr Madison I like that idea of making harmonies in 3rds using maj7b2 sounds! Gonna try it!

  • @jasneskis
    @jasneskis 4 роки тому +1

    Always interesting and informative.

  • @jaybefaulky4902
    @jaybefaulky4902 4 роки тому +2

    this was good it reminds me of the age old trick of 'when in doubt lead it out' where you 'fix' the chord progression by always maintaining a semi tone lead in for the next chord..this is best when it's part of the melody as well like a 'pick up note'...play with the lead note being ascending or descending...you can 'fix' otherwise awkward sounding progressions by a strategic sharp and flat here and there, using this way of thinking brings light to why there are many sharps and flats in many classical music melody lines.. ;)

  • @antoninowoodystella4607
    @antoninowoodystella4607 3 роки тому +1

    Bellissima spiegazione!

  • @edwardrice2848
    @edwardrice2848 Місяць тому +1

    Best breakdown here - particularly why d stays in the bass here (first inversion)

  • @JohnnyArtPavlou
    @JohnnyArtPavlou 4 роки тому +3

    I just about followed this bit of theory in real time. Stopped a couple of times to absorb a few things. Of course don’t ask me anything now that I finished watching it. I’m gonna have to watch it a few times. But fantastic video, great lesson thank you!

  • @nashyteeth91
    @nashyteeth91 4 роки тому +2

    Fantastic explanation of the Neapolitan

  • @eli3625
    @eli3625 4 роки тому +1

    Thank you! Your explanation was really helpful!! 😎

  • @patubo
    @patubo 4 роки тому +1

    very very nice. Clear presentation. Very generous thank you so much!

  • @johnjoseph1966
    @johnjoseph1966 4 роки тому +12

    The Neopolitan chord is just a first inversion bII chord. Very easy to remember. 😃

  • @nerddroid
    @nerddroid 4 роки тому +1

    explanation is clear and well done. thank you so much.

  • @clyderichardson6475
    @clyderichardson6475 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks again for your educational videos!

  • @TheKarmicRepairCo
    @TheKarmicRepairCo 4 роки тому +5

    Great stuff. That Neapolitan chord can also be a major 7th. You inspired me to swap out a chord. I'm in Em on guitar, so it would be: Em Fmaj7/A. B7 Em. Putting the 3rd in the bass and adding the maj7, sweet!

  • @scintube
    @scintube 9 місяців тому +1

    Excellent explanation thank you much!

  • @judasxchrist
    @judasxchrist 2 роки тому +1

    Just great, thank you!

  • @leo-ki9ye
    @leo-ki9ye 2 роки тому +1

    BEAUTIFULLY EXPLAINED THANK YOU SO MUCH

  • @natarajanrathinam869
    @natarajanrathinam869 3 роки тому +1

    Very useful website. Thanks a lot. Thanks once again.

  • @gianlucapice1929
    @gianlucapice1929 4 роки тому +1

    Very nice and clear!

  • @zmpfl5044
    @zmpfl5044 4 роки тому +1

    Good way to teach! As a numb, I would like to hear the chords more often.

  • @MrMikomi
    @MrMikomi 4 роки тому +1

    Nicely done. Thanks.

  • @fredvacher3998
    @fredvacher3998 3 роки тому

    Thank you very much! Very clear explanation. I am not a guitarist. I play the keyboard. I am now convinced of the efficiency of the Neapolitan chord in a minor key (sounds chromatic, fluent and logical) but I m not convinced of its efficiency in a major key. (What I sometimes do in a major key is to raise the dominant chord by a semitone. It sounds over the top, I know, but sometimes I can t help it!!! 😉). I ll have to try the Neapolitan chord in major more often....
    Many many thanks!

  • @johnhendricks8140
    @johnhendricks8140 4 роки тому +1

    This makes me want to buy your chord book. So many ways to rework chords and make more it interesting.

  • @chaza.2891
    @chaza.2891 3 роки тому +1

    Xsuperbly explained bro!!! Thx!

  • @keshavleitan7800
    @keshavleitan7800 3 роки тому +3

    I play piano and I really find your lessons valuable.

  • @justincase2600
    @justincase2600 4 роки тому +1

    useful topic and wonderfully explained.

  • @joselekiwi5695
    @joselekiwi5695 4 роки тому +1

    Congratulations this is perfectly explained!

  • @pepepadillaensambl3
    @pepepadillaensambl3 4 роки тому +1

    Muchas gracias, muy buena explicación, voy a usar este acorde y su progresión. Muchas gracias

  • @longfade
    @longfade 4 роки тому +1

    Totally forgot about the Neopolitan voicing. Great video, thanks!

  • @altacert
    @altacert 4 роки тому +1

    Excellent explanation!

  • @silverappegio
    @silverappegio 4 роки тому +1

    Amazing...learning ! thank you !

  • @infinitypiano9170
    @infinitypiano9170 4 роки тому +1

    Benissimo! Grazie.

  • @warnerbroken8973
    @warnerbroken8973 3 роки тому +2

    thanks for the video, very informative as always! Also, placing the chord before the 5th creates a tritone with the 5th. It's an easy way to memorize how this works.

  • @SimonBay
    @SimonBay 4 роки тому +1

    Actuall a producer and only play the piano, but this was also very helpful for me! Gonna compose some cool chordprogression now! Also subbed!

  • @kasrakhavarinejad1476
    @kasrakhavarinejad1476 2 роки тому +1

    Best explanation 👍👌

  • @colinmichaelroberts
    @colinmichaelroberts 4 роки тому +1

    I think it also works well because it creates a chromatic voice leading in which gives it a stronger sense of direction. Interesting video!

  • @josephpurpura923
    @josephpurpura923 4 роки тому +1

    Bravo!! Mille grazie!!

  • @plusticksofficial524
    @plusticksofficial524 3 роки тому +1

    Wow. Wanna try this one.

  • @dhaneshs131
    @dhaneshs131 4 роки тому +1

    I knew about it... But now I finally understood it.... Thanks Tommaso

  • @michaeljhintonpiano
    @michaeljhintonpiano 4 роки тому +1

    Wonderful explanation! You might include the conversation for pianist to but whatever it’s also just great as it is thank you. Sincerely, Michael Hinton

  • @GuitSiva
    @GuitSiva 4 роки тому +1

    Thanks dude..🙏Good job..👏 Warm cheers 😊 God bless 🙏🎸🎶

  • @sergiocorrea2781
    @sergiocorrea2781 4 роки тому +1

    Genial está explicación, un saludo desde Colombia!

  • @josuastangl7140
    @josuastangl7140 3 роки тому +1

    I just wrote a chord progression and was confused what scale it was in, thx this helped a lot!